Anderlecht seems ready for a new coach after a disappointing finish
WEDNESDAY, 20 MAY 2026, 08:24 - lajoya
OTHER The chances are dwindling by the week that R.S.C. Anderlecht will continue next season with Jérémy Taravel as head coach. Although the official evaluation will only take place after the season, the sporting results and the general atmosphere around the club increasingly point towards a parting of ways. Since the victory over KV Mechelen on 18 April, the purple-and-white have not won once.
In six matches, including the cup final, Anderlecht collected only two points. If the Brussels club slips further down the table in the remaining league fixtures, it could even face a play-off for a place in European competition — a scenario that would be seen internally as a major disappointment. When Taravel took over, Anderlecht hoped for a shock effect, but that largely failed to materialize. Aside from the impressive cup win against Antwerp, the Frenchman has not succeeded in establishing a stable level of performance.
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Continue reading In sixteen matches he has taken only nineteen points, an average far below the ambitions of the country's record champions. Inside the club there is also a determination not to repeat last season's mistake, when Besnik Hasi was allowed to remain despite poor results. With the arrival of sporting director Antoine Sibierski, Anderlecht now seems to be opting for a clean break. Sibierski is known for wanting to work closely with a coach from his own network and places great importance on a strong personal rapport.
Taravel's coaching qualifications are also a factor. The Frenchman currently holds only a UEFA A licence and not the required Pro Licence. Anderlecht tried to address the issue temporarily by enrolling him in a course in Latvia, but it remains uncertain whether that trajectory will be continued. Tactically, Taravel has also come under increasing criticism. He initially garnered praise for certain adjustments — such as deploying Thorgan Hazard as a false nine and pushing Nathan De Cat into a higher position — but over time fresh solutions failed to appear. Some choices provoked bewilderment among supporters and analysts, notably benching Yari Verschaeren in the cup final and making conspicuous substitutions at crucial moments.
Still, within Anderlecht there is an awareness that not all problems rest with the coach. The squad has structural limitations and several players have long been expected to depart. Taravel is nonetheless appreciated for taking responsibility during a difficult period for the club. A role as assistant or youth coach remains a possibility, although it is unclear whether Taravel himself would be open to that. Until the end of the season he will, in any case, continue to commit himself fully to the club and his players, in the hope of finishing the campaign with their heads held high.
